Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, along with Chicago Heights Mayor David A. Gonzalez, local elected officials and top leadership from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Authority (HUD), on Friday, March 22nd, toured nearly $11 million of federal and county-funded strategic investments in roadway construction, city housing rehabilitation, and other development projects, including job anchoring industrial locations within Chicago Heights.

In saying, we are the 4th in the country, and the largest Clerk of the Circuit Court in the State, Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County today announced a major new technological addition--new Mobile App designed to put a wealth of court-related information at the user’s fingertips.

The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center announces that Project CONNECT was refunded by The Chicago Community Trust (CCT) under its Improving Access to Care initiative. Project CONNECT transitions HIV positive patients to outpatient care services at the CORE Center. “Project CONNECT creates a personal connection between the medical staff and the patient. This relationship allows us to improve the patient care experience at the hospital and address barriers to care that might prevent patients from transitioning to outpatient care at the CORE Center.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that an online software system called Green Halo has helped contractors recycle thousands of tons of construction debris and stay in compliance with the County’s new Demolition Debris Diversion ordinance.

As the U.S. Supreme Court enters its second day of hearing landmark court cases on marriage equality, we should be mindful of the fight that continues here in Illinois. I hope the momentum building throughout the country will carry over to the Illinois House of Representatives where Senate Bill 10 awaits a vote. This is a watershed moment for Illinois. For too long, gay and lesbian couples have been denied the same rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples. Senate Bill 10 will finally put an end this legal discrimination by bringing marriage equality to our state.

Cook County Clerk David Orr reminds voters that Early Voting begins today, March 25 for the April 9 Consolidated Election. There are more than 990 races on the ballot for offices ranging from park and school districts to municipal and township seats. There are also 38 local referenda on topics including electricity aggregation, home rule and video gambling. While turnout is usually low for the April election, the stakes are extremely high, noted Orr. The outcome of these races determines everything from education policy to local tax and infrastructure decisions.

Local Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs affiliate is looking for volunteers. On Saturday, March 23rd, they will have a volunteer event at the Bloom Township Center – 425 S. Halsted in Chicago Heights. Even if you cannot make this event, please contact Habitat for Humanity Chicago South Suburbs, as noted below in their press release, to help.

Bureau Chief Herman Brewer, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development was a featured speaker at the ACG (Association for Corporate Growth) Chicago conference, which took place at the Standard Club in downtown Chicago on March 19. The meeting brought together corporate executives investors, senior advisors, academic and government leaders to explore the full range of new thoughts on how private/public/not-for-profit understanding and collaboration can initiate the next wave of economic growth and prosperity. Mr. Brewer’s topic was: The Primary Drivers of Midwestern Job Growth.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Comcast today announced that nearly 16,000 Cook County families have joined Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, more than any county in the nation. Designed to help close the digital divide, the Internet Essentials program provides Internet service at home to eligible families for around $10 a month, the ability to purchase computers for around $150, and access to free digital literacy training in print, online, and in-person. “We are working on bridging the significant digital divide in Cook County.

Originally published on the Cook County Clerk Website March 13, 2013 More than 2,700 candidates will be running for municipal, school, park, library and fire district offices in suburban Cook County on April 9, 2013, according to Cook County Clerk David Orr. Voter participation in local elections is crucial for residents to influence issues affecting their communities, Orr said. Unfortunately, turnout is often very low in consolidated elections.